You are probably sick to death of hearing that you need to be wearing sunscreen every day. We get it, and not trying to get all mum on you, but in all honesty, it’s the best and only actual anti-ager when it comes to preventing wrinkles from forming. That antioxidant smoothie you’re chugging in the hopes of staying glowy forever is not going to be as effective as a simple step in your morning skincare routine, trust us on this one.
And while we’re on the topic of prioritising sun protection, Murad are the most extra folks in terms of sunscreen and have a formulation for just about every skin type and need under the sun (literally). Murad is committed to constantly innovating in the sunscreen space to give consumers the protection they need, while also delivering the texture, feel, and that wear any type of makeup feel that any person would demand.
So if this is you and you have been privy to skip the SPF step in favour of a more flawless foundation base first of all, what are you DOING, and secondly get thee a Murad sunscreen so you can have all your bases, including sun protection, properly handled.
The thing with sun protection is that it's not just your aesthetic beauty that will suffer if you’re misinformed. I think we’re all fairly caught up on how detrimental not wearing adequate sun protection can be to our health, so the risk of being misinformed is significantly higher than other types of skincare. So, to help you on this quest toward better educating yourself in the world of sunscreen and sun protection, here are seven sunscreen truths and myths.
6 sunscreen myths and truths
1. Myth: You only need sunscreen on sunny days
Truth:
This is probably the one we hear the most, but unfortunately for us, UV rays don’t take the day off when it's cloudy. In reality, up to 80% of UV rays can actually penetrate through the clouds, meaning our skin is exposed even if it looks like its overcast outside. These worsen if you’re in conditions like being out on the water or in the snow because these rays will reflect off these surfaces, intensifying your exposure.
This being said you have to wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. We tend to underestimate sun damage on our skin if anything because we don’t recognise the subtle signs like tans and freckles as indicators of UV exposure.
Try this: Use a sunscreen like Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This lightweight formula is perfect for daily wear, even when it’s cloudy, as it offers 100% mineral-based protection and shields against UV rays, blue light, and pollution.
2. You only need to wear sunscreen if you burn
Truth:
Everyone, regardless of their skin tone, needs to wear sunscreen. While melanin provides some natural UV protection, it’s far from enough to prevent skin damage or lower the risk of skin cancer. Studies show that melanoma in darker skin tones is often diagnosed at later stages, making it more deadly.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which cause aging, and UVB rays, which burn the skin. No matter your skin tone, daily sunscreen use can help prevent sun damage and maintain overall skin health.
Try this: Murad’s Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a clear sunscreen that doubles as a primer. It’s great for all skin tones because it leaves no white cast and smooths the skin, making it ideal for daily use.
3. Sunscreen with high SPF lasts all day
Truth:
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day to remain effective.
While it is true that high SPF sunscreens provide more protection and are therefore preferable, they are not invincible. Even if you’re wearing SPF 200+ (not a thing), sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or towelling off.
Many people also don’t use enough sunscreen, applying less than the recommended amount for the body. Using too little reduces effectiveness, leaving your skin vulnerable, so don’t be shy when applying!
Try this: Opting for a high SPF is always a good idea as it serves as a safety net to ensure you have the highest quality protection for the longest period of time. But, it is still best practice to both apply enough of the product and reapply if possible.
4. Sunscreen is bad for your skin and clogs your pores
Truth:
This is one we hear all the time, and again it’s formulation-specific. While there are undoubtedly some brands on the market that don’t prioritise skin health over sun protection, there is a multitude of new-era sunscreens on the market that even incorporate skincare benefits like skin toning, antioxidant and hydrating ingredients as a one-step product that can do some heavy lifting on top of your serums and moisturisers.
These advanced formulations cater to different skin types, so whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, there’s a sunscreen that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Try this: Try Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30, which not only protects your skin from UV damage but also contains antioxidants and vitamin C to brighten and nourish your skin.
5. Sunscreen will ruin my makeup
Truth:
Choosing the right formulation will actually enhance the look of your makeup, not ruin it.
Because sun protection should always be the outermost layer of your skincare routine, there is a real concern among the masses that it will turn your foundation into a slip-and-slide. And while this may have been the case for the ghosts of sunscreens past, we can tell you that if you invest in a good quality sunscreen you will absolutely notice the difference in texture and wear.
If you’re someone who loves makeup, opt for a formulation that is light, easily spreadable and leaves behind no visible trace or cast.
Try This: The Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a game-changer for makeup wearers. It acts as a primer and sunscreen in one, leaving your skin smooth and ready for flawless makeup application.
6. Sunscreen causes Vitamin D deficiency
Truth:
While sunscreen may slightly reduce your skin’s ability to produce vitamin D, it does not block it entirely. There are studies that show that regular sunscreen use has little impact on vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D can also be obtained through dietary sources like fish and supplements, so there is no need to sacrifice sun protection for your health.
Some tips for sunscreen success
Now that we’ve got all that tidied away, here are a few more tips and tricks to keep your skin happy and healthy.
Seek shade
New Zealand sun can be particularly aggressive, so while sunscreen is a great start towards protecting your skin, it very rarely can do it all alone. If you're planning to spend extended periods outdoors, find shade whenever possible, particularly between 10 and 4 when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. An umbrella or other sun protection can be particularly helpful during these peak hours.
Wear protective clothes
Covering up with long sleeves and pants provides additional protection, especially when made from fabrics with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. Wide-brimmed hats can also shield your face, neck, and ears from harmful rays.
Reapply your sunscreen
As covered previously, UV rays can harm the skin even if it is cloudy, so using sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable. Apply it generously each morning and reapply every two hours when outdoors, especially if you're swimming or sweating.
Check in on your skin
Get familiar with your skin and take note of any changes in things like moles, freckles, spots or tone. If you notice a mole that is asymmetrical, has an uneven border, an unusual colour, is larger than a quarter-inch, or is changing in appearance, consult a dermatologist promptly.
Think long term
While you may not think that skipping a few days of sunscreen is a big deal, think of it as an investment into your future self. Shielding your skin from the sun when you’re young helps you to reduce the risk of skin cancer while also minimising the development of wrinkles and age spots over time.
While this may not seem important to you now, it is a lot easier to prevent the signs of premature ageing than it is to turn back the clock, so a little sunscreen today may save you from having to get a little facelift in the future (joking, kind of). And even if you believe that ageism is a losing battle that you don’t want to partake in, you should still wear sunscreen every day (for health).